Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get StartedRisk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffHaving osteoarthritis or engaging in high-risk sports that involve rapid cut-and-run movements of the knee — football or tennis, for example — means you're more likely to develop water on the knee.
If you're overweight or obese, your body places more weight on the knee joint when you walk. This causes more wear and tear on your knee joint. Over time, your body will produce excess joint fluid.